To Equalize Or Not To Equalize, That Is The Question

NuthatchBC · 07-26-2011, 12:37 PM

We recently sold our Escape 17B and are movin' on up to a 19'. With the 17B, we didn't have to worry about using an equalizer hitch. It pulled beautifly with no sway and it didn't seem to put a ot of unnecessary weight on the hitch. We will be picking up our new 19' at the end of August so with all of the recent posts about the 19' and the weight issues, maybe it's time to revisit the equalizer hitch question.

In reading the posts, some say the 19' should have an equalizer hitch and some say it pulls great without one. Also, there appears to be some issue regarding the tongue weight. We don't have an easy, or accurate, means of measuring the tongue weight and I'm not sure if the local Ministry of Transport weigh scale would weigh our trailer.

I would appreciate hearing comments, either pro or con, regarding the equalizer hitch. Better to find out now than later.

Doug

LBaranyai · 07-26-2011, 12:49 PM

What kind of tow vehicle do you have?
One thing I recall reading in the forums was something about front wheel drive requiring an equalizer hitch.
Don't know if this is your situation.

Jim Bennett · 07-26-2011, 01:04 PM

It would primarily depend on your tow vehicle, and how the suspension handles the load. Many people report enough bounce to warrant an EH, and should use one. If you used a full sized pickup I doubt you would need one. My 2009 Honda Pilot has good stiff rear suspension, and I don't use one. There have only been a couple instances where it would have been nicer to have one, but not worth the cost and hassle to me.

For measuring the tongue weight, which is a huge factor in trailer towing stability, a scale like the Sherline would be of great benefit. I plan on getting on myself, to save using the bath scale method which works, but is a pain to use and one you are not likely to carry with you. LINK

JeffZ · 07-26-2011, 01:48 PM

I agree with Jim.. We actually needed one on our Highlander, the F150 was probably good to go for the Escape.. Having said that, when we were towing the AS we had a blow-out, since it was a single axle trailer the EQ hitch really made a difference in stability at that point. I had no jerky motion and pulled over to the side of the highway easily.. so the added safety was a plus in that instance..

RickM · 07-26-2011, 03:29 PM

When you pick up your new 19 footer this is the best time to determine if you need a WDH or not. The good folks at Escape will do some measuring of your TV with and without the Escape hitched. That, and what type of TV you have (as pointed out if it's a front wheel drive, will resolve if a WDH is needed.

gbaglo · 07-26-2011, 05:44 PM

As noted, front wheel drive vehicles require the WDH to move weight forward to the driving wheels.
I do want to add that although the RAV4 is 'four wheel drive', it usually is only powering the front wheels. The rear drive wheels are engaged when the computer senses that they are needed.
I have the equalizer hitch. It moves weight forward and it improves the ride in the tow vehicle. I think it also helps with sway and if you need to take evasive action.

baglo

Jim Bennett · 07-26-2011, 07:00 PM

My Pilot is front wheel drive, and has no issue at all with traction, and i have taken it up some steep wet gravel/dirt roads in 2 wheel drive. The rear wheels would kick in if there was slippage. I am not saying that it could, or should, not be used by people who wish too. It would do little harm aside from the cost and the pain to hook up. The manufacturer recommends that they not be used, but they are likely just covering their butts because of the stress that a WDH puts on a uni-body construction.

NuthatchBC · 07-26-2011, 08:58 PM

Our tow vehicle is a 2009 Toyota Tacoma long-box crew cab. It is rear wheel drive.

Thanks for all of the information. It's great to know that the Escape folks will be willing to do some measurements on our truck when we pick up our 19'. That should tell whether or not an equalizer will be needed.

Doug

Eugene We · 07-27-2011, 01:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NuthatchBC

Our tow vehicle is a 2009 Toyota Tacoma long-box crew cab. It is rear wheel drive.

Thanks for all of the information. It's great to know that the Escape folks will be willing to do some measurements on our truck when we pick up our 19'. That should tell whether or not an equalizer will be needed.

Doug

Have you checked your owner's manual? I believe Toyota recommends a WDH for the Tacoma.

PGDriver · 07-27-2011, 08:54 AM

Our last truck was an 07 Tacoma, double cab, it towed our 19 great but it did need the WDH.

cpaharley2008 · 07-28-2011, 06:58 PM

get your self one of these
http://www.sherline.com/lm.htm

gbaglo · 07-28-2011, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

get your self one of these
http://www.sherline.com/lm.htm

But, if you do, the gauge they ship reads to 2,000 lbs. and you want one that reads to 1,000 or less so that your target weight is in the middle and it's easy to read.

baglo

gbaglo · 07-28-2011, 10:08 PM

Just had a look at the manual that comes with the scale. Sherline can provide gauges with other ranges. They note that the gauge is most accurate at the middle of the range.
Mine reads to 2,000 lbs. so at 325 lbs. the needle is just over 7 o'clock. I really should replace it.

baglo

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